Tennessee Academy

of Firearms

Gun Safety, Concealed Carry & Defense,

all start with proper training!

As a gun owner and carry permit holder, it's your responsibility to know the law and how it applies to you. Below you will see a list of both weapons and self-defense laws that you should review regularly and seek professional legal guidance (Tennessee licensed attorney). An official online copy of the law should only be reviewed through LexisNexis. LexisNexis currently hold the state contract for maintaining the official copy of the the law.

NOTE: Due to the lack of functionality within LexisNexis, please read our Steps on how to best use their site. Tennessee Firearm Laws are not all located in the same sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.)

Step 1: Click on the link to LexisNexis and in the search box, type or paste the code you would like to review and then click search. (example: 39-17-1301)

Step 2: Once you have reviewed the current Code, you can type the next Code, you would like to review in the search box or if you're unsure what Code you would like to review, you can return to Tennessee Academy of Firearms by using the tab located at the top left of your browser.

Step 3: Once you have decided on a Code to review, you can copy the code and return to LexisNexis, by using the tab at the top left of your browser. Paste the code in the search box and click search.

Tennessee's Weapons (handgun permit) law

The handgun permit law is contained in Sections 39-17-1301 to 39-17-1361 Part 13 – Weapons Section.

39-17-1301

Part definitions.

39-17-1302

Prohibited weapons.

39-17-1303

Unlawful sale, loan or gift of firearm.

39-17-1304

Restrictions on firearm ammunition.

39-17-1305

Possession of firearm where alcoholic beverages are served.[Repealed.]

39-17-1306

Carrying weapons during judicial proceedings.

39-17-1307

Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

39-17-1308

Defenses to unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon.

39-17-1309

Carrying weapons on school property.

39-17-1310

Affirmative defense to carrying weapons on school property.

39-17-1311

Carrying weapons on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers and other public recreational buildings and grounds.

39-17-1312

Inaction by persons eighteen (18) years of age or older, including parents or guardians, knowing a minor or student illegally possesses a firearm.

39-17-1313

Transporting and storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in permit holder's motor vehicle.

39-17-1314

Local regulation of firearms and ammunition preempted by state regulation – Actions against firearms or ammunition manufacturers, trade associations or dealers.